We took a look at popular protein myths to see if there was any truth behind them.
Protein is hot, hot, hot.
It’s the nutrient many of us might think we need more ofeven though we probably don’t.
There are a lot of myths out there around protein and the best ways to consume it.
Here, we sort it all out for you and decipher fact from fiction.
“Complete proteins” are best.
For a long time, most plant proteins were considered inferior because they weren’t “complete.”
Animal protein is easier to digest than foods like beans.
Plus, beans contain harmful lectins.
But that doesn’t necessarily make them better.
you could also relax about the whole lectin thing.
(Plus, when was the last time you ate a pile of uncooked lentils or black beans?
It’s tough to get enough B12 and iron if all of your protein comes from plants.
“B12 is an issue because animals are the only dietary sources of the vitamin.
Iron is much less of a concern.
Think: black beans with tomatoes and bell peppers.
A tasty way to get your dose.
Processed meat is as bad as smoking cigarettes.
The truth isn’t quite as sensational as the headlines.
That doesn’t mean they both have the same level of risk, though,” explains Mozaffarian.
And let’s put that in perspective.
The average risk of developing colorectal cancer over a lifetime is 5 percent.
As long as you keep the amount you eat reasonable, there’s no need to nail-bite about it.
Plant-based sources of protein are healthier than animal sources.
This one’s sort of truebut stay with us for a minute here.
In other words, it doesn’t have to do with the protein.
Amino acids are amino acids, whether you get them in chicken or lentil form.
So a balance of both types is fine.
